Epidemiology studies which of the following to understand the causes of health and disease?

A. Individuals: While clinical medicine focuses on individuals, epidemiology focuses on trends and factors affecting groups. B. Families: Family studies may be done in genetic research, but epidemiology examines broader health patterns. C. Populations: Epidemiology is defined as the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. D. Groups: Although somewhat close, “groups” is a vague term. Populations is the more accurate and appropriate terminology.